Lightning News

Bolts select pair of defensemen in second round

PHILADELPHIA – The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted two more blueliners Dominik Masin and Johnathan MacLeod less than an hour into Day 2 of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Masin, who was selected 35th overall by the Lightning, appeared in 39 games with Slavia Praha of the Czech Republic’s junior league in 2013-14, recording 21 points (two goals, 19 assists).

“It’s very exciting,” Masin said. “I want to push as hard as I can to make the team as soon as possible.”

The 18-year-old represented the Czech Republic at this year’s Under-18 World Championships tournament. In seven games, he amassed three assists and also earned a Silver Medal.

Masin also wants to show the Bolts what he called his best attribute - his competitive nature.

“I want to bring energy,” Masin said. “I also want to improve my offensive game so I can help upfront as well.”

Their 57th selection, MacLeod, netted one goal and added four assists in 19 games as the captain of the U.S. National Under-18 team last season.

“It’s nice to be looked at as one of those guys where people want to follow you,” MacCleod said of his captaincy. “It’s a real honor to wear a letter and it comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to make sure you’re always doing the right thing.”

He also chipped in three points (two goals, one assist) with USA at this year’s World Championships Under-18 tournament.

The Massachusetts native met with Bolts vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman and the scouting staff during interviews at the NHL Combine in May.

“I felt like my interview at the combine went pretty well with Tampa,” MacLeod said. “But I didn’t expect them to pick me.”